Changing fork oil

datkin128
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datkin128
Edited Date/Time 11/19/2020 2:00am
I have a 2019 kx 450. To change the fork oil can I just take the top caps off and pour out then refill? Or does the bottom have to come out too and drain from that end as well?
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kb228
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kb228 2/6/2020 12:09pm
2/6/2020 12:09pm
Shouldnt have to seperate the forks. Take the caps off and make sure the spring area is exposed so it drains. Let it drain for a long time.

If you want to be thorough then seperate them clean and reassemble. This is the way i do mine. Not that big of a deal.
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bvm111
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bvm111 2/7/2020 6:35pm
2/7/2020 6:35pm
Dude... follow the manual it will show you exactly what to do!
colvin227
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colvin227 2/8/2020 8:52am
2/8/2020 8:52am
you could do that sure, but you'd only be changing the outer oil and not the more important Damping Cartridge oil. Its good to change both at the same time so everything is fresh since the cartridge oil is doing all your damping work. While it doesn't get nearly as dirty as the outer it loses viscosity due to constant movement through the shims and valves and you lose performance. Changing just the outer oil is only doing a half service.
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DB505
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DB505 2/10/2020 5:05am
2/10/2020 5:05am
I just did mine! Like has been said, read your manual carefully, it’s in there! Just take your time, it also helps to be sure you have all the tools & supplies needed before you start
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hubbardmx50
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hubbardmx50 2/12/2020 11:06am
2/12/2020 11:06am
Make sure to record your clickers then set all the way to soft position before you start. If you only want to change outer chamber oil you would be correct. Just remove top cap, slide chamber down until you see the spring and let it drain.
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datkin128
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datkin128 2/12/2020 11:14am
2/12/2020 11:14am
hubbardmx50 wrote:
Make sure to record your clickers then set all the way to soft position before you start. If you only want to change outer chamber oil...
Make sure to record your clickers then set all the way to soft position before you start. If you only want to change outer chamber oil you would be correct. Just remove top cap, slide chamber down until you see the spring and let it drain.
Thanks. When they say 350 ml of oil or whatever, is this both outer and inner chamber? I’d consult my manual but it’s not with me at the moment.
hubbardmx50
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hubbardmx50 2/12/2020 4:20pm
2/12/2020 4:20pm
hubbardmx50 wrote:
Make sure to record your clickers then set all the way to soft position before you start. If you only want to change outer chamber oil...
Make sure to record your clickers then set all the way to soft position before you start. If you only want to change outer chamber oil you would be correct. Just remove top cap, slide chamber down until you see the spring and let it drain.
datkin128 wrote:
Thanks. When they say 350 ml of oil or whatever, is this both outer and inner chamber? I’d consult my manual but it’s not with me...
Thanks. When they say 350 ml of oil or whatever, is this both outer and inner chamber? I’d consult my manual but it’s not with me at the moment.
I have the same forks, I believe it calls for 8.4 oz for the inner chamber and 11-13oz for outer depending how stiff you want it, so 350ml would be just for the outer. I think I'm running 360ml in my outer chambers right now. Lots of guys have done their own forks and wrote what they used in the big forum for the 19 Kawi so I would check that out. You would need roughly 600ml to service the whole fork.
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SlS257
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SlS257 9/26/2020 11:11am
9/26/2020 11:11am
What size is the inner chamber socket needed to remove it. The manual just says box wrench. Is it 41MM? I have one for the outer.
wrc777
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wrc777 9/26/2020 3:11pm
9/26/2020 3:11pm
SlS257 wrote:
What size is the inner chamber socket needed to remove it. The manual just says box wrench. Is it 41MM? I have one for the outer.
There is a tool for the inner cap. I am not sure what the measurement is. You also need something for the inner shaft to hold it out while you take off the nut on the bottom. There are videos on you tube. There is one for the Honda that Rocky Mountain did which will show you the tools and process for any 49mm Showa.

It takes more than one bottle of oil too. Also Honda sells the same oil a lot cheaper than Kawasaki. A15-00
Leeham
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Leeham 9/29/2020 7:29pm
9/29/2020 7:29pm
Do the whole fork, the only gain you get from doing the outer is clean oil for your bushings so they last longer. Its a messy job and make sure you have a vice with soft jaws so you can the job easier. A second person is also helpful.
Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 10/1/2020 3:17pm
10/1/2020 3:17pm Edited Date/Time 10/1/2020 4:36pm
I've got a few extras of these Enzo/DRC Fork Clamps I'd sell.

They run $127.95 + shipping, but I'll sell for $95 shipped. SUPER DUPER handy. Makes me feel waaay better about grabbing the forks correctly / no damage. Easier than vise in my opinion. Way quicker, too + fits in your travel toolbox.

http://www.drcproducts.com/tool/sus/ed59/ed59_37_260.html




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Paw Paw
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Paw Paw 10/1/2020 5:21pm
10/1/2020 5:21pm
Take them apart so you can also replace the fork seals and bushings.

Paw Paw
jridout12
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jridout12 11/18/2020 10:46pm
11/18/2020 10:46pm
I have a 19’ kx450 as well that has 30 hours on it and I’m planning on servicing the forks and shock for the first time. This will be the first time I’ve ever done a job like this. I’ve read through the manual and it seems pretty thorough. My one question is what are the special tools I’ll need? Or can I get by with just your basic tools? Thanks for any help!
Paw Paw
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Paw Paw 11/19/2020 2:00am
11/19/2020 2:00am
If you have the manual, the tools needed will be shown there.

Paw Paw
RaceFan
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RaceFan 11/19/2020 11:24pm
11/19/2020 11:24pm Edited Date/Time 11/20/2020 1:20am
If I was you I would at the very least purchase these two tools to do the job properly.(Get the correct sizes for your forks obviously) These are inexpensive and will last a lifetime.
You don't have to pull the seals and bushes out but you will want to remove the entire damping assembly. This is important when it comes to refilling. You have to pump the rod and that's a pain if it is still assembled with the spring in place.

The below tool is required to get the damper split to change the inner oil.


Below tool will remove the top "nut" and the fork end of the tool will help hold the damping rod while you get the lower adjuster off so you can remove the damper.

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